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www.spec.com.au HAMILTON SPECTATOR Saturday January 30 2016 23 MARCH 19 DUCK SEASON OPENING DENIS PETERS THE 2016 duck hunting season will go ahead, with a reduced bag limit, but figures on both sides of the duck hunting argument are unhappy with the state government. Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford announced a full-length duck hunting season for 2016 with modified bag and species limits. She said below average rainfall had reduced duck numbers and habitats and therefore the Game Management Authority had recommended that a reduced bag was necessary to ensure the sustainability of duck populations. Once the season starts, the bag limit will be reduced from 10 birds per day to eight birds for the opening day and four birds per day for the remainder of the season. Because of reduced habitat and low numbers, the hunting of blue-winged shoveler will be prohibited. The duck season will last 12 weeks. The opening day will be Saturday, March 19, and it will close on Monday, June 13. Ms Pulford said the decision to modify the 2016 duck season was based on expert advice from the Game Management Authority (GMA) and extensive habitat and waterbird surveys across eastern Australia. “Duck season is an important economic contributor to the rural economy and I encourage our 26,000 licensed hunters get out into our rural and regional areas as usual,” she said “Hunters are reminded to act safely and responsibly at all times while enjoying their hunting.” Ms Pulford said the GMA and partner compliance agencies, including DELWP, DEDJTR, Parks Victoria and Victoria Police, would be out in force in 2016 to ensure compliance with hunting and public safety laws and to ensure the new restrictions are adhered to. Shooters and Fishers Party MP Daniel Young welcomed the announcement but was unhappy with the lateness of it. “Better late than never, the 2016 duck season conditions have been confirmed by the Victorian government much to the disappointment of duck hunters across Victoria,” Mr Young said. “Whilst people can now begin to prepare for the upcoming season with confidence, some of the effects of the extremely late announcement can already be felt. “Businesses across the state that provide hunting and camping supplies and those in rural locations that benefit from the season have been under pressure for some time. “Financial decisions have been gambled on and put off for no other reason than a long, drawn-out, and complicated process. Hunters can now also approach their employers to organise any time off they wish to take.” RSPCA Victoria’s Dr Liz Walker expressed horror at the announcement to, as she said “allow a very small minority of our population to draw their guns over Victoria’s wetlands in 2016, in the face of compelling bird population and environmental data and widespread opposition in the community”. “I am appalled by the decision to allow a full 12-week duck hunting season,” she said. “While this government has made admirable strides in other areas of All descriptions & quantities Northcott’s woolprocessing require all types of dags and inferior wool for processing at our Hamilton works. Prompt payment assured and wool pack replacement. Open Mon - Fri 8am-4pm or by appointment NORTHCOTT’S Lot 1, Port Fairy Road, Hamilton, Vic 3300 T: 03 5571 2777 F: 03 5571 2731 M: 0418 395 075 www.northcottsorganics.com.au animal welfare, this announcement shows complete disregard for the welfare and sustainability of our Victorian waterbirds. “Notwithstanding our ongoing opposition to duck hunting, the RSPCA stands firm that the 2016 season should be cancelled on the basis of our analysis of the ‘Considerations SHEARING PLANT & HANDPIECE SERVICE • All models • On farm service or our workshop George & Dorothy Logan 4 Millman Street, Hamilton Phone (03) 5572 3742, Mobile 0427 723 742 Lakeview Southdowns Locally grown, Pure-bred Rams available. Contact Teresa: 0409 784 206 Barry: 0429 784 207 lakeviewsouthdowns@gmail.com OJD Approved Vaccinates, Brucellosis Accredited, Foot rot and Lice free A DIVISION of WOOL SINCE 1846  SHED CLEAN UPS  QUOTES ON CLIPS Mark Condon 0427 345 903 Trevor Landwehr 0407 719 099 Manager, 111 Lodge Road, Hamilton Phone 5571 9099  COMMISSION SELLING  DOOR SALES Now Open Saturday Mornings 8-11.30am And all your wool marketing needs Monday - Friday 8am-5pm for the 2016 Duck Season’ provided by the Game Management Authority (GMA).” The 2007 and 2008 duck shooting seasons were cancelled because of low duck numbers and unfavourable environmental conditions. The data for this season is even worse … in fact, the worst on record … and yet the season will still go ahead. “Duck and waterfowl populations are already dangerously low, breeding is almost non-existent, and the habitat has shrunk dramatically. Forecast weather conditions for the remainder of summer represent a dire risk to the already embattled species.” SAH0442280N SEA3003216 SBE1146567N SAJ1345541N